CALLIE by Sharon Srock ~ My Review

The Blurb:

Callie Stillman is drawn to the evasive girl who’s befriended her granddaughter, but the last time Callie tried to help a child, her efforts backfired. Memories of the tiny coffin still haunt her.

Samantha and Iris Evans should be worried about homework, not whether they can pool enough cash to survive another week of caring for an infant while evading the authorities.

Steve Evans wants a second chance at fatherhood, but his children are missing. And no one seems to want to help the former addict who deserted his family.

For Steve to regain the relationship he abandoned, for his girls to receive the care they deserve, Callie must surrender her fear and rely on God to work the miracle they all need.

My Review:
Callie Stillman is the kinda gal I'd like for a friend. Fiftyish, married, active lifestyle, and a lady who doesn't give up when God asks her to do something. And God puts a shy, withdrawn little girl in Callie's path and her heart. Callie, along with her husband, Benton, and her prayer-warrior friends, refuse to let Iris and her sister go without helping. But Callie's recent assistance for a little boy ended tragically, and fear wars with faith.

If you read my reviews, you know I don't typically read mainline Christian fiction. I lean towards inspirational romance, but this story line drew me in. And you know what I found? A romance. A cute, sometimes playful-sometimes serious romance between Callie and her husband, Benton. And a romance between God and His children. God loves us, and along with an invitation for us to love Him in return, He offers healing for fractured relationships. Callie is not for readers who enjoy light reading or a few hours of entertainment. It delivers a weighty message of forgiveness and healing with a powerful wallop.

Disclosure: I received this book from the author for a fair and honest review.

Sharon Srock lives with her husband, Larry, and two dogs in Rural Oklahoma. She is a mother, grandmother, and Sunday School teacher. Sharon has one and three-quarters jobs and writes in her spare time. Her favorite hobby is traveling with her grandchildren. She is a member of the ACFW and currently serves as treasurer for her local chapter. Sharon’s writing credits include numerous poems and short stories published in science fiction fanzines.

Welcome Sharon Srock with CALLIE

Three dire circumstances. Three desperate prayers.
One miracle to save them all.

Callie Stillman is drawn to the evasive girl who’s befriended her granddaughter, but the last time Callie tried to help a child, her efforts backfired. Memories of the tiny coffin still haunt her.

Samantha and Iris Evans should be worried about homework, not whether they can pool enough cash to survive another week of caring for an infant while evading the authorities.

Steve Evans wants a second chance at fatherhood, but his children are missing. And no one seems to want to help the former addict who deserted his family.

For Steve to regain the relationship he abandoned, for his girls to receive the care they deserve, Callie must surrender her fear and rely on God to work the miracle they all need.

Now let's meet Sharon Srock. When did you first discover that you were a writer? Believe it or not, I went to bed one night, a normal person, and woke up the next morning determined to write a book. I know, now, where that came from. It was more than a little weird at the time.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading. I love a good courtroom drama. Fantasy when it’s well done. By well done, I mean it has to completely draw me into a different world. Mysteries, and Romantic suspense are devoured at my house like chocolate covered cherries.

Mmmm...romantic suspense, now you're talking. What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of? I’m going to assume you don’t mean raising terrific daughters. Really? This book. Not just for the validation or a sense of “I can really do this”. But because I feel like it represent me, finally finding God’s place for me.

What is your favorite food? I have two rules when I cook. If it’s sweet add chocolate. If it isn’t sweet add cheese.

Of all the current technological marvels, which is your favorite and why? My GPS. I don’t navigate. Now I don’t have to.

What is your favorite season of the year? What’s special about it for you? I only have three seasons to my year. Summer, Spring, and SWEATER. I have a serious sweater addiction, so Sweater is my favorite.

I'm with you, Sharon. I love wearing sweaters. What about you would surprise readers?
I’m a serious Trekker. I have my own uniform.
My favorite pet of all time was an iguana.
I hate reality TV
I love to mow the grass

Which character in your book are you most like? What did you learn from her? For this book. Callie, of course. I didn’t really need to learn the life lesson that Callie had to learn, but writing the story taught me so much about persistence, trust , and patience.

If you could go to any place in the world to research/write a book, what setting would you choose? Australia. It’s on my bucket list. I’ll make it someday, God willing.

Really? Australia's on my list, too! What do you hope readers will take away from this book? That sometimes we spend too much time beating ourselves up for something God has already forgiven and forgotten. That we do a disservice to ourselves and others when we indulge in those feelings.

Sharon, thanks so much for visiting. Best wishes for success with Callie and the Women of Valley View. Be sure to join us tomorrow when I'll share my review of Callie.

Sharon is giving away a basket filled with goodies, over $100 in value. Check out what all's in the basket:

A copy of Callie's story
A certificate for Terri's story when it releases in April
A 6 piece Cherry blossom bath set
A cosmetic bag
A Bath Wrap
A Cozy pink eye mask
A Pair of aloe infused booties
A Hair Turban
A Tennis Bracelet
A 25.00 Amazon gift card

Wow! Every reader who comments during her entire blog tour for Callie will get an entry into the drawing. Make sure you leave your contact information in your comment. A winner will be drawn Monday, November 19th. 

Purchase Link

Sharon Srock lives with her husband, Larry, and two dogs in Rural Oklahoma. She is a mother, grandmother, and Sunday School teacher. Sharon has one and three-quarters jobs and writes in her spare time. Her favorite hobby is traveling with her grandchildren. She is a member of the ACFW and currently serves as treasurer for her local chapter. Sharon’s writing credits include numerous poems and short stories published in science fiction fanzines.

TUESDAY'S CHILD by Clare Revell ~ My Review

About the book:

Tuesday's Child tenders direction...

Deaf from the age of five, Adeline Munroe operates a hospital for injured dolls, but lately her quiet life is disturbed by violent, haunting visions. Perhaps it's just her unspoken fear--a serial killer has struck in Headley Cross. But Adeline soon realizes she's seeing each murder just before they happen and reluctantly contacts the police.

Detective Sergeant Nate Holmes has enough to deal with between caring for his orphaned niece and his current assignment--the Herbalist killings, so when a woman comes forward who claims to be "seeing" the crimes in dreams, he isn't hopeful she'll be of any help. But he knows her from church, and she inexplicably describes how each crime is committed. Is God answering his prayers through Adeline?

Adeline assists the police, yet more women die and she becomes the prime target of the killer. Will Nate crack the case before the Herbalist can complete his agenda--or will the next murder Adeline foresees be her own?

My Review: 

This is one of those books where you become so entrenched in the characters' lives, you'd like nothing better than to continue along with them after the book ends. Adeline Munroe would be a great friend to have in real life. Spunky, caring, and she fixes boo-boos. On dolls.
Don't you just love the unusual occupations the author chooses for her heroines? And Nate? Who wouldn't love a hero who takes in his niece to raise? There's a great cast of secondary characters as well, from Ben, Adeline's black and white Cavalier King Charles spaniel, to Vianne, Nate's niece who played integral roles in the story.

Being deaf doesn't impair Adeline in any way. She's actually blessed with an abundance of other gifts, like visions of the Herbalist killings before they happen. Nate doesn't see her as handicapped, but as the strong, independent, and beautiful heroine she is. If it weren't for the occasional reminder from Adeline to look at her so she could read lips, as a reader, you almost forget the fact that she is deaf.

Tuesday's Child is action-packed, and the suspense is quite intense. Just when you think the book's coming in for an ending, Ms. Revell slings another curve ball your way. Great job, Clare Revell! I'm looking forward to the next story in the series, Wednesday's Child.

Purchase link with White Rose Publishing

  

Disclosure: I received this book from the author for a fair and honest review.

Tuesday's Child by Clare Revell

About the Book:

Tuesday's Child tenders direction...

Deaf from the age of five, Adeline Munroe operates a hospital for injured dolls, but lately her quiet life is disturbed by violent, haunting visions. Perhaps it's just her unspoken fear--a serial killer has struck in Headley Cross. But Adeline soon realizes she's seeing each murder just before they happen and reluctantly contacts the police.

Detective Sergeant Nate Holmes has enough to deal with between caring for his orphaned niece and his current assignment--the Herbalist killings, so when a woman comes forward who claims to be "seeing" the crimes in dreams, he isn't hopeful she'll be of any help. But he knows her from church, and she inexplicably describes how each crime is committed. Is God answering his prayers through Adeline?

Adeline assists the police, yet more women die and she becomes the prime target of the killer. Will Nate crack the case before the Herbalist can complete his agenda--or will the next murder Adeline foresees be her own?

Excerpt:

All of Nate’s senses kicked into action, his copper’s antennae twitching.

She knew something, or at least thought she did.

“What is it?”

Adeline sucked her lower lip into her mouth, worrying it with her teeth. “This is going to sound stupid, but…” She took a deep breath. “I saw them. All of them. They all had their hair tied back or up.” She picked up the top clipping. “She was playing on a swing and wearing a red jacket. This one was walking the dog and wearing blue.”

Nate jolted as if he’d been struck by lightning. Those details hadn’t been released. Was he wrong about her? Was she somehow involved with the murders? “Wait  a minute. How did you know any of this?”

Adeline carried on speaking as she shifted through the papers. “She was on her way to dance class in pink. This one was jogging in a gray toweling track suit and the first one…”

Nate put a hand on her arm, cutting her off.

She jerked her head upwards in surprise.

He held her gaze. “How do you know all this?”

“I told you, I saw them.” 

White Rose Publishing Purchase Link
Amazon UK Kindle
Amazon US Kindle & Amazon US Paperback
 

Make sure you stop back by tomorrow when I share my review of Tuesday's Child. Now let's find out a little about Clare Revell. What is your workday like?  Well I don't sleep much so I'm up at midnight - when the kids have finally gone to bed and hand write until half two or three am. Then sleep til 6.30 when i have to get up to go to the day job in a school. That's giving the kids breakfast, playing with them, art activity etc. Between 18 and 36 kids a day ranging from 4yr olds to 11 yr olds (foundation stage to year 6). Next its home and then writing more or less all day in between cleaning and cooking and laundry til i fall asleep around 9pm.

 

Sounds like you don't sleep at all. Not me. I need seven or eight hours or I'm dragging all day. That's amazing, Clare. Do you have any interesting or strange writing quirks? The first draft is hand written. in pencil. on a narrow leaved spiral bound notebook.

Ouch. Not me. If I drafted in pencil, I'd spend a fortune in erasers. Name one thing you learned from your hero or heroine. There is no such thing as a disability. Just a different kind of problem to deal with and over come.

Love that, Clare! Look to your right – what’s sitting there?  -->

the flower which one of the 4yr olds gave me at work on Thursday

What are some of your favorite things to do when you’re not writing? Reading. My kindle is always on my desk and constantly needs charging up 

Mine, too. Least favorite? housework

 

Here! Here! Do you have a question for our readers?  

The heroine of Tuesday's Child Adeline is deaf. If you had to lose one sense what would it be and why? Or what sense would you least like to lose.

Thanks so much for visiting, Clare. I'm looking forward to sharing my review of Tuesday's Child tomorrow! 

Clare lives in a small town in England with her husband, whom she married in 1992, and her three children. Writing from a early childhood and encouraged by her teachers, she graduated from rewriting fairy stories through fanfiction to using her own original characters and enjoys writing an eclectic mix of romance, crime fiction and children's stories. When she's not writing, reading, sewing or keeping house or doing the many piles of laundry her children manage to make, she's working part time in the breakfast club at one of the local schools.

She has been a Christian for more than half her life. She goes to Carey Baptist where she is one of three registrars.

You can find Clare here:

http://www.revell124.plus.com/clarerevell/

https://www.facebook.com/ClareRevellAuthor

https://twitter.com/ClareRevell

http://telscha.blogspot.co.uk/